Peasley School cooks up anniversary volume

With her cookbook close at hand, Sara Rushing conducts her daily classes at Peasley Middle School. She quickly tells you where you may purchase a copy. Photo by Betty Wrenn Day.

Named the "Teacher of the Year" at Peasley Middle School, a person who serves as a leader of activities not confined to a classroom and one who could also be named cook of the year, Sara Rushing is the instigator, coordinator, publisher, editor and marketing manager of "Cook the Pride" cookbook.

"The idea began," explained this sixth, seventh and eighth grade teacher, "when I was attending the FCCLA (Family Career and Community Leaders of America) National Conference in Tennessee. I was with a student who was competing with her state-winning project. There was a cookbook publishing firm on display and after talking with them, I thought it would be a good idea to do a cookbook compiled of the past, present and future students, staff and supporters of Peasley Middle School. And with the 20th anniversary of the school on the calendar, what a great time to publish this book, not only include great recipes but the history of the school, as well.

"The recipes in this book are very good ones. You know each contributor sent in their best ones, the ones that had been tried and proven true. Some of them are recipes handed from generation to generation. I use my book all the time."